Pledge of no violence by organisers of Muslim march

Police and organisers of a Muslim rally in London today have vowed to stop any attempt by Islamist extremists and rightwing troublemakers to disrupt the event.

Scotland Yard expects around 10,000 people to gather in Trafalgar Square this afternoon for the United Against Incitement and Islamophobia demonstration. But the organisers, the Muslim Association of Britain (MAB), hope the numbers will be nearer 30,000.

Metropolitan police sources admitted there was some concern after last weekend's protests against anti-Muslim cartoons that extreme elements could try to infiltrate the rally. There was also some "chatter" among football hooligans and on rightwing websites.

But Assistant Commissioner Steve House, in charge of public order policing, said his officers had been liaising with organisers and were reassured they would do all they could to prevent violence.

Ihtisham Hibatullah, MAB's media director, said the rally was intended as a peaceful stand against Islamophobia, featuring speakers, music and prayer. Around 200 MAB representatives would act as stewards, and extremists would not be tolerated.

Scotland Yard has set up a special squad to examine 60 hours of video footage and 500 public complaints over last weekend's demonstrations.